Size
If you find that your sports
bra is not comfortable, it may be that you
are not getting the correct size. When shopping for a sports bra start
with the size that you wear in a traditional bra. Put it on and move
around. Don’t just move your arms or jog on the spot, really put it to the
test. Jump up and down, bend over and jump up, generally really move
about. If you feel like your breasts are not supported, or if they seem to
change locations in the bra as you are moving you have a bra that is too
large. Try going down a size and repeating the test. A sports bra that
squeezes your chest too tightly will be uncomfortable to work out in and
is definitely too small.
Try several different brands as well, as each brand will have a
slightly different fit. For example Nike sports bras come in both a size,
for example 34, and a size designation, for this example small. The same
is true for Under Armour sports bras as well as other brands. The key is
that the Nike sports bra small may not fit the same as the Under Armour
sports bra so it is important to actually try the different brands on.
Color
Once you have found the correct size, the next major hurdle is what
color. Sports bras come in a
wide variety
of solid, patterned, mesh,
contrasting or muted colors. Really the sky is the limit when choosing a
color. It is important to consider if you will be wearing the bra on its
own or simply under other t-shirts. Remember that lighter colors and
whites will eventually stain from sweat and deodorant, no matter how
quickly you wash them after a workout.
Fabric blend
Most sports bras will have a blend of polyester and spandex as the
base. Nike offers a sports bra with an 88% polyester and 12% spandex for
the body. This combination is known as “Dri-Fit Fabric” which wicks away
moisture to provide a cool and dry effect during workouts. Under Armour
sports bras offer a HeatGear fabric that is designed to move moisture away
from your body. HeatGear is a unique product that is designed to keep the
athlete cool even in hot and humid workout conditions. Avoid sports bras
that have high cotton content. Not only will they provide little support
but also they will trap the moisture close to your body leading to
chaffing and that uncomfortable sticky feeling during your workout.
In addition to the blend of fabric in the bra itself, check the texture
and softness of the straps and the closure. Make sure that they don’t dig
into you when you move or bend. The whole purpose of a sports bra is to be
lightweight and comfortable, not to feel like you are wearing a chest
protector to your workout.
Moisture wicking bras
If you have always worked out with a conventional or
traditional sports
bra you don’t know what you have been missing. A moisture or sweat wicking
bra is the answer to a cool and temperature regulated workout. The fabric
blend used by both Nike and Under Armour works to actually pull the
moisture away from your skin. Not only does this help increase evaporation
and allows the body to keep cool but it prevents chaffing and rubbing as
the moisture is not allowed to build up between the fabric of the bra and
your sensitive skin. Moisture wicking bras have no cotton in the fabric
blend, and therefore don’t hold any moisture. The smooth and sleek fabric
of both the Nike sports bra and the Under Armour sports bra is designed to
provide maximum support and maximum moisture movement.
After working out in a conventional sports bra you will notice red
lines and indentation where the fabric literally rubbed or cut into your
skin. This happens because the bra needs to be tight to provide support.
Moisture wicking bras have the support built right into the fabric, and
don’t rely on that band at the bottom to hold them tightly in place.
If you sweat at all during your workout it is well worth the additional
expense to invest in a moisture wicking bra like the Nike Dri-Fit fabric
or the Under Armour HeatGear lines of sports bras. Once you try these
lightweight, high quality and excellent support sports bras you will be
hooked forever.
After making all these choices there are still a few basic do’s and
don’t when purchasing sports bras. To summarize:
Do
• Try on the sports bra before you buy it
• Jump around and make sure you feel supported
• Check for any chaffing or rubbing when you are moving around
• Watch for any hooks or zippers that seem to rub or scrap
• Make sure that you have the correct cup size, nothing pushing up or
out
• Take a couple of deep breaths to make sure you are not too restricted
• Make sure it is a moisture wicking bra that will keep you cool and
dry during even the most intense workouts
• Check the cut under the arms to make sure it is not rubbing your
armpit area or cut too low to provide insufficient support
Don’t
• Buy a sports bra just because it is the right color or pattern, or
matches your workout gear
• Buy a size too small expecting that it will stretch. Nike and Under
Armour sports bras will hold their shape and will not stretch or sag even
after numerous washings.
• Buy a sports bra that rubs or irritates you when you move
• Is difficult to get on and off
• Buy a sports bra that you feel uncomfortable in. Comfort is important
when you are working out.
• Get a sports bra that is not moisture or sweat wicking, especially if
you sweat even lightly during your workout